Honeycomb pattern formation on poly(vinyl chloride) films: electrically-driven microparticle trapping and the effect of drying temperature

Abstract This work presents the effect of drying temperature on formation poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) honeycomb microstructures formed by breath figure technique. Results revealed self-assembly patterns with small cell diameter and thick walls dried at room temperature. An increase in a decrease wall thickness were observed as was increased up to 70 °C while no noted temperatures greater than or equal 80 °C. The presence consequently enhanced static water contact angle PVC layer. Electrowetting experiments more pronounced reduction honeycomb-structured compared flat layer any given applied voltage. A proof-of-concept feasibility structures trap microparticles electrically-driven droplet actuation further demonstrated. Corresponding SEM images confirmed entrapment cells after electrowetting experiment. These results offer new facile strategies for tuning morphological properties polymeric its possible application microparticle trapping sensing.